Games are an engaging form of entertainment and play. Whether a quick game of Candy Crush or hours of engrossment in an immersive otherworld, games engage the mind, require skill and strategy, provide a sense of accomplishment and often a high degree of euphoria. Yet despite being an integral part of popular culture, video games are often misunderstood. It’s easy to see only their entertainment value, but that’s only half the story. Games are a complex and influential medium, with the power to challenge our perceptions, expand our worldview, and teach us how to interact with others and the environment around us.

While some games are designed with the educational purpose in mind, many have been used for learning for millennia. From the earliest board games to today’s video games, they offer a unique platform for students of all ages to test their knowledge and learn new concepts in fun and exciting ways.

Whether it’s battling dragons in a role-playing game or working together to escape an island before the water level rises, games encourage students to work cooperatively with others and develop critical thinking skills. In addition, games provide a safe space for kids to practice the importance of compromise and respecting others’ perspectives. These are important social skills that will serve them well both on and off the gaming screen.

Video games have become increasingly diverse, with narratives addressing a wide range of social issues. For example, titles such as *Life is Strange* and *The Last of Us* feature protagonists with a variety of identities, sparking discussions about gender, race, and morality. Moreover, competitive games like esports have evolved into global industries that compete with traditional sports.

In addition to developing teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills, games also teach kids how to set goals and prioritize tasks. They learn to think strategically and make decisions quickly, which can improve their logical reasoning abilities and visual-spatial awareness. Additionally, action-based games can improve hand-eye coordination, which is useful for everyday activities.

Lastly, through the repeated experience of failure in games, children learn to be resilient. Whether losing a round of a board game or failing to win an esports tournament, they come to understand that success is not guaranteed and that they can overcome setbacks.

In a world that is increasingly dominated by digital screens, it may seem as though face-to-face interaction has become a thing of the past. However, group games such as board games or card games offer a unique platform for socialization and allow kids to bond with their peers in a safe, stress-free setting. In addition, these games can help parents foster the development of a positive attitude towards technology and help children develop healthy relationships with their peers. Furthermore, these games can encourage positive self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment and a healthy outlet for stress.